Peter Chiarelli

Shawn Thornton knows he will be the center of a lot more attention then generally given a fourth-line forward Tuesday when he returns to Boston for the first time with the Florida Panthers.

A popular player for seven seasons with the Bruins who helped them win the Stanley Cup, he is certain to face a sizable media throng after morning skate. He will present two checks to charities in the afternoon.

As for expectations in the evening for his first game as a visitor at TD Garden, the veteran toughie said he has no plans to drop the gloves against his former team, though he didn't rule it out.

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